Page 28 of Icebound Attraction

When he takes his leave and stumbles on his way out, I laugh again. I feel free and relaxed. And for the first time in weeks, I fall asleep with a smile on my face.

***

My stomach contracts as the teacher hands out a test without warning, and I sigh. Slightly hungover and tired, I'm not in the best of moods. But I do my best.

In the end, I think all this learning has served a purpose and I feel I've answered pretty well.

But the next day, when we get the test results, I can hardly believe it.

Another fucking failure.

Angrily, I leave the lecture hall and rush through the university corridors so fast that I hit someone.

Emily... What the hell kind of cosmic joke is this?

“Watch where you're going,” I growl and get ready to leave again.

“Are you all right, Liam?” she asks behind my back.

The concern in her voice makes me stop.

“No. Nothing's going right, if you ask me,” I let out in a breath.

“Ho... You want to talk about it?”

“Not really.”

She seems to think for a moment, her cheeks turning pink, as if her future boldness is costing her.

“Let me take you out for coffee,” she offers gently, making me feel guilty for having spoken badly to her.

I run my hand through my curly hair. Fuck... If that isn't raw temptation! I can't help accepting her invitation. In her presence, my shoulders feel lighter.

We enter the café where Chase works and sit down at a corner table. Emily orders us a coffee. For a moment, we sit in silence. My eyes are fixed on my cup, and I know I have to say something.

“Thank you, Emily. I think that's what I needed to keep from hitting a wall...”

I look up at her and smile to lighten the mood. Her body suddenly relaxes, and she in turn gives me a warm, sincere smile.

“What's got you in such a state?” she asks bravely, given the contradictory signals I keep sending her.

“It's complicated... I've failed several tests and exams this semester. If this keeps up, I'm not going to graduate. No matter how hard I study, I just don't understand this shit.”

Her mouth opens slightly in surprise.

“Yeah, you can laugh. Liam Scott wants to graduate! Now that would be a big scoop for your paper!”

“I think it's admirable that you put so much effort into combining sport, which already takes up so much of your time, with your studies. Many athletes are content with their results in the discipline they practice. Why do you want to get your diploma?” she says shyly.

I sigh and look at her frankly.

“Hockey is my life. It's all I've ever had. It's my world, and hopefully my future. But... do we really know what tomorrow will bring? I’m not a moron. The coach called me to order. I'll have an even better record in the eyes of recruiters if I have a good hockey season, as well as good grades. Then, I might as well take advantage of my time at university to go out with something in my pocket. I mean something more than a professional league contract.”

I stretch out a smile.

I'm amazed at how easy it is to talk to her. Putting my current problems into words not only relieves me, but also helps me to see things more clearly, to regain my confidence and motivation. That, and the bright look she's giving me right now.

Damn, she's beautiful...

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